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Senate Bill 229 |
Senate Author: Nelson |
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Effective: 9-1-11 |
House Sponsor: King, Susan et al. |
Senate Bill 229 amends the Health and Safety Code to expand the application of provisions relating to newborn hearing screenings and hearing services to cover any licensed hospital or licensed birthing center without regard to the county in which the facility is located and to include a facility maintained or operated by the state or an agency of the state and that provides obstetrical services. The bill excepts a midwife who attends the birth of a newborn from the newborn hearing screening requirement, but requires the midwife to refer the parents to a birthing facility or a provider that participates in a newborn hearing screening, tracking, and intervention program certified by the Department of State Health Services. The bill includes provisions relating to reporting requirements for a birthing facility and a qualified hearing screening provider, audiologist, intervention specialist, educator, or other person who receives a referral to perform newborn hearing screening and hearing services.